Student living. You scrape together dollars. Home brand is your staple. Many bad hangovers come from nights pre-drinking cask wine in your friend’s kitchen. Taxis are a luxury; you know the night rider well. You’ve forgotten what smoked salmon tastes like and you’re latest outfit purchase cost $6 at savers. Hard rubbish collection is like Christmas and you’re pantry is made of stacked milk crates you stole from the back of the local bar (whom you only frequent during happy hour). Some people may say that sounds like hell but, if I were to be honest, I love it. It makes things exciting. It also makes those nights when you forget you’re a student and decide to live beyond your means even more special. Every so often, I love to do just that.
The restaurant of choice this time around was Supernormal, the more permanent version on Flinders Lane that followed the successful pop-up canteen in Fitzroy. The resurrection of St Kilda’s Golden Fields, the venue is another incredible addition to the Asian-fusion culture we so adore.
Supernormalhttp://www.supernormal.net.au/
180 Flinders Lane Melbourne
9650 8688
Like any good double dates, tasks were delegated. The boys were immediately handed the drinks menu while us girls were on food. Before long, fragrant citrus sake graced our lips and a Chardonnay from the extensive wine menu was on its way.
The menu, like most, was designed to share with incredibly helpful staff advising us that two to three per person would be perfect. Not only did that mean we could get a taste of everything, but it also meant we didn’t have to leave too many options out. In no time, dishes were experienced in a flurry of flavour, texture and aesthetic sensation.
From pork head bao to thirteen spice lamb ribs that you could smell before you could see to tingly seaweed sashimi crackers, we were taken on a journey through a variety of Asian cultures and cooking styles. Meat fell off the bone and seafood, featuring heavily on the menu, was as fresh as it gets. The lobster rolls were a favourite, with succulent slabs of the white meat sandwiched between sweet, crisp buns with a silky mayonnaise. Less impressive was the octopus salad, as grilled octopus tentacles were subtle and lost in an overkill of radish and cucumber.
In what could only be described as the piece de resistance, a whole snapper (replacing the flounder on the menu) accompanied flavours of ginger and coriander with soft, delicate meat. It was a fight to the death for every last piece.
Those who know anything about Golden Fields must have heard of, tried or drooled over their infamous signature dessert: the peanut butter parfait. You’ll be pleased to hear that, not only have they kept the beloved sweet treat, but also added more. The fresh-flavoured, sweet and tangy pink lady and miso soft serve perfectly balanced the thick, heavy and rich parfait: complete with salted caramel and dark chocolate. If you can’t choose, why not get both?
Supernormal is not the venue you visit on a regular basis; especially not if you’re on any kind of budget. However, the food is incredibly refined, beautifully prepared and of incredibly high quality. Spoil yourself. Head to Supernormal. Drink a bit too much sake. Order a peanut butter parfait. You’ve earned it. And on your way out, don’t forget to pick up some Pocky from the conveniently placed vending machines!
